Libya — Weather

The climate in Libya is, at the very least, interesting, with only the northern coastline long the Mediterranean milder and more predictable. Throughout the rest of the country dry, desert conditions apply, with natural hazards such as the searingly hot, dust-laden sirocco winds, sandstorms and dust storms adding unique challenges to sightseeing and outdoor sports. The Libyan Sahara covers most of the landmass and is on of Earth’s driest, most arid regions, with rain only falling once a decade or less. The highland areas expect showers once every five to 10 years.

Temperatures in the desert regions are extreme, ranging upwards of 136°F and dropping below freezing at night. The mountainous areas are cooler, but high summer is best avoided anywhere in the country. Humidity is surprisingly high, at its worst in the mornings between November and March and its best in May, June and July. The wettest region lies around Cyrene, getting about 24 inches of rain annually.

Best Time to Visit Libya

If you’re a desert buff, the best time to visit Libya is between October and April, as temperature variations are less extreme, falling between 59°F and 86°F during the day and 41°F to 68°F at night. Across the country, weather is extremely variable, influenced by the desert and the Mediterranean Sea. Temperatures along the coast of Tripoli range from hot, dry summers to cooler winters with a few refreshing showers, but the area is good for year-round visits to seaside destinations. Spring and autumn are the peak travel seasons, reflected in increased hotel and restaurant prices.